San Antonio College RN to BSN Program

Program Details

Nursing Education

The RN to BSN Bridge Program at San Antonio College (SAC) is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as little as one year.

This program offers flexible options, including fully online, hybrid, and accelerated tracks, making it accessible to working professionals.

Accreditation and Reputation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and aligns with the Texas Board of Nursing’s essential competencies.

SAC has a long-standing reputation as a leader in nursing education and is the largest nursing program in San Antonio.

Curriculum

The BSN Bridge Program requires 120 credit hours, with 60 credits from an Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) and 60 BSN-specific credits. Courses emphasize leadership, ethics, community health, informatics, and research-based nursing practice.

See below for core courses:

NURS 3313 – Pathophysiology
Explores therapeutic management of health deviations through a cellular and multisystem perspective. Covers health promotion, disease prevention, progression, and treatment. Analyzes genetic, ethnic, and cultural influences to foster critical thinking in clinical settings.

NURS 3350 – Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing
Integrates previous knowledge and skills to prepare nurses for roles in patient-centered care, safety advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Topics include nursing history, theory, ethics, clinical judgment, and professionalism.

NURS 3351 – Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Focuses on understanding research methodology and evidence-based practice. Covers evaluation of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research to improve patient-centered care, quality, and safety outcomes.

NURS 3352 – Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Covers comprehensive health assessment across the lifespan, including access to care, genomics, and traditional healthcare practices. Emphasizes health promotion and its application within nursing practice.

NURS 3354 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Examines the application of legal and ethical principles in nursing across various practice areas. Focuses on understanding laws, regulations, and ethical frameworks.

NURS 4161 – Leadership and Management Clinical
Provides hands-on learning to apply leadership and management theories in healthcare settings. Focuses on developing skills for nursing leadership roles.

NURS 4301 – Leadership and Management Principles for Nursing
Explores leadership theories, organizational strategies, and decision-making in healthcare. Analyzes management techniques and societal trends impacting healthcare organizations.

NURS 4356 – Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
Examines health promotion strategies for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Emphasizes patterns of health and environmental factors affecting wellness and risk reduction.

NURS 4146 – Capstone Project
Applies program knowledge to address a community need, developing a wellness plan. Demonstrates leadership skills in implementing healthcare projects.

NURS 4355 – Community and Public Health
Covers community health nursing, including healthcare system structure, disparities, and health education. Focuses on program development and resource access.

NURS 3353 – Informatics and Technology in Healthcare
Explores the role of informatics in enhancing care quality and continuity. Covers electronic information systems and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.

NURS 4160 – Community and Public Health Clinical
Provides practical learning in community healthcare settings. Focuses on applying public health principles and addressing community health needs.

A capstone project allows students to apply knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.

More information about the curriculum is available here:

https://mysaccatalog.alamo.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=272&poid=50348&returnto=21126

Learning Outcomes

Students graduate prepared for leadership roles, community health positions, and further education in nursing.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an active, unencumbered RN license, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and proof of completing an AAS in Nursing or equivalent coursework. Graduates of SAC’s AAS Nursing Program are given admission priority.

Additional requirements include letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, microbiology, psychology, ethics, and statistics.

Program Format and Flexibility

The program is offered in hybrid and fully online formats. A fast-track option allows completion in eight months, while part-time and concurrent AAS-BSN tracks are also available. On-campus components are minimal, and schedules are designed for working nurses.

Tuition

The estimated tuition for the core program is $10,800, with books and fees included. Tuition costs may vary based on transfer credits

More tuition information here:

https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/accreditation-info/nursing/nursing-department

Cost Breakdown

Find tuition per credit hour:
From the Alamo Colleges tuition page:

  • In-district: $99 per credit hour
  • Out-of-district: $215 per credit hour
  • Non-resident/International: $466 per credit hour

Calculate total tuition:

  • In-district: $99 × 32 = $3,168
  • Out-of-district: $215 × 32 = $6,880
  • Non-resident/International: $466 × 32 = $14,912

More tuition information here:

https://www.alamo.edu/admission–aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in clinical and community settings, including leadership positions such as nurse manager or educator. The program also provides a foundation for pursuing master’s or doctoral nursing degrees.

Additional Programs and Features

SAC offers additional nursing pathways, including concurrent enrollment options for AAS-BSN and ADN mobility tracks. The program utilizes a concept-based curriculum model and includes interdisciplinary collaboration and community health projects.

Summary

San Antonio College’s RN to BSN Bridge Program provides a flexible, affordable, and accredited path for RNs to advance their careers. With its strong academic foundation and focus on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, graduates are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for BSN-prepared nurses in diverse healthcare settings.